Michigan Creates

Ara Topouzian
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ABOUT MICHIGAN CREATES:Explore the vibrant arts and culture landscape of Michigan, a state with a thriving creative ecosystem that has birthed iconic movements like Motown and The Purple Rose Theater. Home to legendary musicians, writers, and artists, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage known worldwide. Michigan Creates is a podcast series that will connect listeners with gifted artists and cultural institutions that are nurturing Michigan's vibrant creative landscape.PODCAST HOST:Join your host, Ara Topouzian, an award-winning Armenian musician and advocate for the arts in Michigan. Ara will converse with artists and cultural institutions while exploring the intersection of music and culture and highlighting their work to bolster the artist community that sustains Michigan's creative economy.

  1. The Surprising Journey From Flute to Conductor That Changed Her Life | Nan Washburn, Conductor

    2D AGO

    The Surprising Journey From Flute to Conductor That Changed Her Life | Nan Washburn, Conductor

    Most orchestras focus on tradition. This one is rewriting the rules — from innovative programming to boosting diversity — all under the leadership of a trailblazing female conductor who's breaking barriers in American music. If you believe live music should reflect the world around us, this episode is your must-listen. When Nan took the helm of the Michigan Philharmonic in 1999, the orchestra was small, under-attended, and challenged by its lack of a dedicated hall. Fast forward 25 years, and her bold changes—introducing contemporary and multicultural works, reshaping programming, and expanding outreach—are transforming it into a vibrant community hub. She shares how her background as an orchestral flute player and her passion for storytelling through music led her to conduct, despite the odds for women in the field. Discover the behind-the-curtain insights of a conductor's world: from learning complex new pieces like a tenor sax concerto in just three months, to tailoring performances for varying venues. Nan breaks down her innovative approach to rehearsals, the importance of understanding every instrument, and her secret weapon—a meticulous score-marking process that keeps her in sync with her orchestra. She also sheds light on the rare landscape for female conductors in the U.S., revealing how the next generation is shifting the scene with rising stars. But why does this matter? Because the future of orchestral music depends on inclusion, fresh programming, and nurturing talent from all backgrounds. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or simply curious about how arts organizations evolve, Nan's story offers lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of diversity in shaping a thriving cultural community. Perfect for aspiring conductors, arts administrators, and anyone passionate about the transformative power of music, this episode shows how one dedicated leader is changing perceptions and expanding the reach of classical music in Michigan—and beyond. Hit play to see how courage, creativity, and a love of community can revolutionize a centuries-old art form. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    29 min
  2. Business in the Key of D: Helping Michigan Musicians Master the Business Side of Music | Chris Simpson

    FEB 16

    Business in the Key of D: Helping Michigan Musicians Master the Business Side of Music | Chris Simpson

    On this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian sits down with Wayne State University alum and musician Chris Simpson to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. Chris shares his journey from rock-influenced guitarist to jazz studies major, and ultimately to music business entrepreneur. After realizing that talent alone wasn’t enough, he pivoted to understanding contracts, branding, booking, marketing, and the often-overlooked business side of music. Through his company, Catch and Play Songs, Chris now helps Michigan artists develop strategy, build community, and navigate the evolving music landscape. He also serves on the board of the Michigan Music Alliance, where he helped launch Business in the Key of D — a statewide professional development event connecting musicians with industry leaders, mental health resources, record labels, and practical business tools. In this conversation, Chris and Ara discuss: Why musicians must think like small business ownersThe shift from physical albums to streaming and home studiosThe power of branding and storytellingMental health in the music industryHow collaboration can strengthen Michigan’s music ecosystemIf you're an emerging artist — or a seasoned musician looking to better understand the business side of your craft — this episode offers practical insight and inspiration. Connect with Chris at catchandplaysongs.com Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    19 min
  3. Invisible Isn’t Failing: A Reflection on Artists, Art Organizations, and What Quietly Disappears

    JAN 19

    Invisible Isn’t Failing: A Reflection on Artists, Art Organizations, and What Quietly Disappears

    After more than two years of interviewing artists and arts organizations across Michigan, host Ara Topouzian pauses for a short, personal reflection. There’s no guest today—just an honest observation about visibility, sustainability, and what happens when meaningful creative work goes unseen. Drawing from conversations with painters, musicians, filmmakers, designers, writers, and nonprofit arts leaders, Ara reflects on a pattern he’s noticed again and again: many artists and organizations aren’t failing—they’re invisible. They’re doing essential work quietly, under growing pressure, in an environment where funding is harder, costs are higher, and attention is increasingly fragmented. Some organizations don’t close with headlines or controversy. They simply disappear. And when they do, we don’t just lose programs or spaces—we lose relationships, mentorship, institutional memory, and access for the next generation. This episode isn’t political, and it doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it asks better questions:  What work is still here, barely holding on?  Who has been showing up quietly for years?  And what changes if we start noticing? Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    6 min
  4. How Detroit Contemporary Art Thrives | Dorota & Steve Coy, ArtClvb

    JAN 14

    How Detroit Contemporary Art Thrives | Dorota & Steve Coy, ArtClvb

    In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian talks with Dorota and Steve Coy, co-founders of ArtClvb, a dynamic Detroit contemporary art space. They discuss how experimental curation, artist-led initiatives, and community support are reshaping how contemporary art is created and experienced in Michigan. Listeners will hear how ArtClvb champions emerging voices and fosters collaboration across artistic disciplines. This conversation is essential for creatives, curators, and arts community builders. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    14 min
  5. Big Picture Art & Equity in Performance | Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts

    12/05/2025

    Big Picture Art & Equity in Performance | Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts

    Ara Topouzian sits down with Esther Triggs, Director of Equity & Inclusion at Interlochen Center for the Arts, to explore how creativity, dialogue, and performance foster equity in arts education. This conversation highlights inclusive leadership, cultural awareness, and the role of arts institutions in shaping empathetic and engaged creative communities. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    30 min
  6. Bridging Art & Public Engagement | Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum

    10/25/2025

    Bridging Art & Public Engagement | Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum

    In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian speaks with Lyla Catellier, Curator of Public Programs at Cranbrook Art Museum. They discuss how museums engage audiences through public programming, collaboration, and accessible exhibitions, offering insight into the evolving role of museums within Michigan’s arts ecosystem. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    27 min
  7. Music Education & Community Impact | Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music

    09/25/2025

    Music Education & Community Impact | Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music

    Host Ara Topouzian talks with Rodney Lontine, President & CEO of the Flint Institute of Music, about the transformative power of music education and performance. The conversation explores how FIM expands access to the arts, nurtures talent, and strengthens community connection throughout Michigan. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    22 min
  8. 100 Years of Creativity & Culture | Kathryn Dimond, Scarab Club

    08/19/2025

    100 Years of Creativity & Culture | Kathryn Dimond, Scarab Club

    Ara Topouzian explores the history and ongoing relevance of Detroit’s Scarab Club with Kathryn Dimond. This episode highlights the club’s century-long legacy as a creative gathering place for artists, writers, and cultural leaders, and its continued role in Michigan’s artistic community. Support the show Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com

    15 min
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About

ABOUT MICHIGAN CREATES:Explore the vibrant arts and culture landscape of Michigan, a state with a thriving creative ecosystem that has birthed iconic movements like Motown and The Purple Rose Theater. Home to legendary musicians, writers, and artists, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage known worldwide. Michigan Creates is a podcast series that will connect listeners with gifted artists and cultural institutions that are nurturing Michigan's vibrant creative landscape.PODCAST HOST:Join your host, Ara Topouzian, an award-winning Armenian musician and advocate for the arts in Michigan. Ara will converse with artists and cultural institutions while exploring the intersection of music and culture and highlighting their work to bolster the artist community that sustains Michigan's creative economy.

Information

  • Creator
    Ara Topouzian
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Topes Productions, LLC
  • Show Website
    Michigan Creates